H.R.1159 - Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1159, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendment would extend public safety officers' death benefits to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. This applies to TSA employees performing official duties related to protecting the nation's transportation systems.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would mean that families of TSA officers who die in the line of duty, while protecting transportation systems, would be eligible for public safety officers' death benefits. This provides financial support to the families of fallen TSA officers. The change is retroactive to injuries sustained on or after October 31, 2013.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial security to the families of fallen TSA officers.
- Recognizes the risks and sacrifices made by TSA employees in protecting national transportation systems.
- Potentially improves morale and job satisfaction among TSA employees.
- Aligns benefits with other public safety officers, acknowledging the essential role of TSA.
- Offers retroactive coverage, addressing past instances where benefits were not available.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in government spending on death benefits.
- May create pressure to extend similar benefits to other federal employees in potentially risky positions.
- Could lead to debates about the criteria for determining eligibility for these benefits.
- Possible administrative challenges in processing and verifying claims.
- Limited impact on the broader population beyond TSA employees and their families.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the provision for the "general Welfare" of the United States, as it seeks to provide support for the families of those who serve in public safety roles. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to "provide for the... general Welfare of the United States."
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. The establishment of death benefits for TSA employees does not violate any constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).